The role of the operational network in responsive order processing

The operational network is the group of actors involved in order processing. In this paper we focus on understanding its role in realising responsiveness. Based on research in five manufacturing companies, we discuss the relations of three interrelated factors (organisational setting, planning and control framework and information system) and the functioning of the operational network. The results show that a proper functioning of the operational network depends on a well-defined planning and control framework and an efficient information system. If formalisation of the planning and control framework is not possible, the operational network should be organised by means of formalised lateral relations.